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The recent warning by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission to sanction broadcast organisations, including radio and television stations across Nigeria, over declining standards in news and political analysis has drawn criticism from some Nigerians, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the umbrella body for media practitioners in the country.

A few days ago, the NBC issued a formal notice to broadcast stations nationwide, cautioning that stricter enforcement of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code would follow what it described as a persistent rise in ethical and professional violations, particularly in news, current affairs, and political programming. It warned that media outlets found engaging in declining professionalism, misuse of platforms by political actors, and increasing hate speech would face sanctions.

In a statement, the commission said it had observed a troubling trend where broadcast platforms are increasingly being used in ways that undermine their primary duty to inform the public with accuracy, balance, and professionalism.

The commission stated that if left unchecked, the trend could weaken public trust in the media and heighten tensions as the country gradually approaches the 2027 general elections.

It emphasised that it would enforce “strict and uncompromised compliance” with the provisions of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

It specifically referenced rules relating to fairness, accuracy, balance, hate speech, and respect for constitutional authorities, warning that violations in these areas would attract penalties.

“As we approach the 2027 general elections, the Commission, hereby, notifies all broadcasters and stakeholders that it will enforce strict and uncompromised compliance with every provision of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly, those relating to fairness, balance, accuracy, hate speech, incitement and respect for constitutional bodies,” the commission said.

A major concern raised by the commission was what it described as a ‘crisis’ in the professionalism of programme anchors and presenters.

According to the NBC, there has been a noticeable deviation from established journalistic standards, including cases where presenters introduce personal opinions into programmes, fail to provide equal representation to opposing views, or allow discussions to favour particular interests.

Such practices, the commission said, violate clear provisions of the broadcasting code which require neutrality and fairness in handling issues of public interest.

The commission also criticised what it described as the misuse of broadcast platforms by political actors. It noted that politicians across party lines are increasingly using radio and television programmes to spread content that could be inflammatory, divisive, and capable of inciting public disorder.

It further cited multiple sections of the code that prohibit content capable of encouraging crime, undermining national unity, or disrespecting human dignity.

In particular, the commission expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of hate speech, inciting rhetoric, and narratives that could deepen political and communal divisions. It warned that such content not only breaches broadcasting standards but also poses a broader threat to Nigeria’s stability, especially during a politically sensitive period.

The commission added that some broadcasters now allow personal opinions to be presented as facts, in clear violation of established guidelines.

It referenced provisions of the code that prohibit presenters from inserting personal views into programmes and require that all sides of issues of public interest must be fairly represented, preferably within the same broadcast.

It further stressed that broadcasters bear ultimate responsibility for all content aired on their platforms, regardless of its source, and urged media organisations to strengthen internal editorial controls and ensure that programmes, especially those relating to politics, elections, and public policy, are handled with the highest level of professionalism and sensitivity.

“Broadcast platforms must not be used for hate speech, personal attacks or content inciting disorder along political lines. The Code places a non-transferable obligation on broadcasters to exercise editorial judgment at all times, including during live programming,” the commission stated.

The commission, however, warned that any anchor or presenter found expressing personal opinions as fact, intimidating guests, denying fair hearing to opposing views, or compromising neutrality would be considered to have committed a Class B breach under the code. Such violations, it noted, could attract regulatory sanctions.

Reaffirming its directive, the NBC placed all broadcasters on formal notice to ensure strict adherence to the code in all news and political programming. It stressed that compliance is mandatory and not optional, adding that stations must guarantee fairness, balance, accuracy, and the right of reply in their content.

However, despite the seemingly patriotic intent of the NBC’s warning, some observers have argued that it may be a subtle attempt to restrict political space, aligning with what the ruling All Progressives Congress is allegedly trying to achieve within the political arena.

Those who hold this view argue that while the NBC’s notice appears altruistic on the surface, it may carry underlying motives. There are also claims that the ruling APC is wary of criticism, and that limiting broadcast platforms could prevent opposition figures from exposing perceived shortcomings ahead of the next election cycle.

A prominent voice supporting this view is political analyst Adebayo Okunade.

He told DAILY POST: “What the NBC is doing is to give political advantage to the ruling APC. Of course, we all know that APC is full of baggage. The party has failed woefully and because this is election time with campaigns around the corner, the only way to stop the opposition from exposing the failures and rot in the system is to prevent the broadcast media from entertaining them in their stations. This is a subtle means of stopping the opposition from telling Nigerians the truth about this government.

“This is because when an opposition candidate or politician begins to reel out the corruption and profligacy in the system, they will say you are inciting the public against the government and the NBC will come after the station that allowed such expression. But in reality, the politician has not committed any offence; he has only spoken the truth but the ruling party will tag it hate speech or inciting utterance. So, every well-meaning Nigerian should speak out against the NBC in this voyage because it is not good for our democracy.”

In a similar reaction, the Nigerian Union of Journalists criticised the advisory, describing it as a veiled attempt at censorship.

In a statement on Monday, its National Secretary, Achike Chude, said the directive appeared to be an effort to gag the media and institutionalise censorship.

The union stated that it viewed the NBC’s notice with serious concern and disappointment, adding that the directive threatens free speech and editorial independence in Nigeria’s media space.

It argued that the NBC’s stance on anchors expressing personal opinions and its push for a crisis-free presentation style amounts to direct interference in the editorial processes of independent media organisations.

“Journalism, particularly in the realm of current affairs and political analysis, requires robust engagement.
“To strip presenters of their right to analyse and contextualise news is to reduce the Nigerian media to a mere mouthpiece,” it stated.

The union also raised concerns about what it described as vague regulatory provisions, warning that classifying such actions as ‘Class B breaches’ with penalties, including fines or suspension, could intimidate journalists and suppress critical reporting.

“This regime of fear encourages self-censorship, where journalists are too afraid to ask tough questions for fear of being labeled ‘unprofessional’ or ‘hostile’ by a regulatory body that has increasingly become a political tool,” the statement added.

The NUJ reminded the commission that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, including the right to hold opinions and to receive and share information without interference.

Also reacting, the Nigerian Guild of Editors described the move as dangerous and harmful to journalism, stating that it amounts to a direct attack on press freedom, editorial independence, and democratic accountability.

The Guild, in a statement by Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh, said that while the NBC may be aiming to promote professionalism, its broadly worded directive is open to multiple interpretations.

It argued that such ambiguity creates room for misuse, as it could be selectively applied or misinterpreted in ways that unfairly target journalists and media organisations performing their legitimate duties.

The statement read: “The interpretation of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across news, current affairs, and political programmes is inherently subjective. By positioning itself as the sole arbiter regarding rigorous questioning or appropriate scrutiny, the NBC opens the door to potential abuse. This approach risks weaponizing the broadcasting code to induce self-censorship among broadcasters, stifle legitimate journalistic inquiry and silence critical voices.

“We reiterate that the role of broadcast presenters and journalists, particularly during interviews, is to ask probing questions, challenge inconsistencies and demand clarity in the public interest. Journalism is not designed to place public officials or interviewees in a comfort zone, but to hold power accountable.

“As the country moves closer to another election cycle, there is no better time for the media to intensify its watchdog role than now. The scrutiny of political actors is essential. Citizens rely on the media for accurate and comprehensive information to make informed decisions and carry out their civic responsibilities. This responsibility demands that journalists ask tough, even uncomfortable, questions in the public interest.

“While we acknowledge the need for professionalism and civility in broadcasting, we must not lose sight of a fundamental truth: Democracy does not thrive on timid journalism, but on bold, responsible and fact-driven interrogation of issues and personalities.

“Journalists are not lawbreakers. They are trained professionals guided by enduring ethical standards, including the principle that ‘comment is free, but facts are sacred.’

“We, therefore, urge regulatory bodies to operate within clearly defined, transparent and fair frameworks that do not undermine the independence of the media.

“The NBC must demonstrate impartiality and restraint, carefully distinguishing between genuine misconduct and the rightful exercise of journalistic duty.

“In the face of such threats, the Nigerian press will not be intimidated. We remain resolute in our commitment to ask tough questions, report facts and provide analysis without fear or favour.”

Also reacting, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, warned that attempts to regulate media content during a sensitive political period could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

Writing on his verified ‘X’ handle, he expressed concern that the country was heading in a troubling direction at a time when democratic institutions should be strengthened rather than restricted.

“The recent notice by the National Broadcasting Commission, especially at this critical time of the general elections, is very troubling,” he said.

He emphasised the role of the media as a vital pillar of democracy, cautioning against any move to suppress press freedom.

“A free and responsible media should not be an enemy to any administration. The media is the conscience of the nation.

“Attempting to stifle voices, moderate opinions or intimidate journalists under the guise of regulation only weakens our already fragile democracy,” he stated.

He further stressed that institutions are meant to serve the people, not governments, noting that they should operate independently.

He also linked the development to broader national challenges, including insecurity and economic hardship, arguing that the government’s focus should be directed elsewhere.

“At a time when insecurity is on the rise, young Nigerians are losing faith in the country and the economy continues to fail the average citizen, our focus should not be on controlling media narratives, but on delivering results,” he added.

He called for renewed commitment to transparency and accountability across all arms of government, urging authorities to safeguard the independence of regulatory bodies.

“We must return to the path of transparency, accountability and true independence of all arms and agencies of government,” he added.

He expressed solidarity with media organisations across the country, stating, “Nigeria does not need stronger control. Nigeria needs stronger institutions.”

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